It’s official: Lonn Reisman, David Baskett only 2 candidates running to become the next mayor of Stephenville.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

With the deadline to file for a place on the November ballot officially over, the race for Stephenville’s next mayor has come down to two candidates both currently serving on the city council: Lonn Reisman and David Baskett.

The Stephenville City Council called for a special election to be held Nov. 4 to fill the unexpired term of former mayor Doug Svien.

Early voting will be held Monday, Oct. 20, through Friday, Oct. 31.

The last day to register to vote is Oct. 6

ABOUT THE CANDIDATES

Lonn Reisman is fully retired after spending 36 years at Tarleton State University as the men’s head basketball coach, vice president and athletic director.

“I have been on city council for about 2 ½ years, and when this came up, I felt like it was something I needed to do,” Reisman told Beneath the Surface News in a previous interview.

If elected, Reisman says his top priorities will be community safety, affordable senior living and enhancing recreational facilities.

“The children are our next generation and I want to see them prosper and have opportunities in this area,” he said.

“The city is already going in the right direction and I want to do my part to keep this community moving forward.”

David Baskett is the city’s interim mayor.

He and his wife Nicole own Baskett Mortgage Services, Bussin’ Rides and Cruising Care.

If elected, Baskett says increasing pay for public safety and city staff will be his No. 1 priority.

Baskett, who said he has worked closely with SEDA to bring more retail and industry into the area, said he will also continue to focus on parks and recreation, youth sports, the east side sewer project and streets and infrastructure.

“I think the time is right to take on this challenge and work to keep the city moving in a positive direction,” he said.